Delaware Minimum Wage 2026
Delaware's minimum wage of $15 in 2026 is among the highest in the United States, and it is significantly higher than than the base federal minimum wage of $7.25 still used in 20 states.
Federal 
Delaware Assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the weekly minimum wage in Delaware is $600. For full-time employees working 52 weeks per year, the annual minimum wage in Delaware is $31.2K.
Based on $15/hr minimum
Based on $15/hr minimum
The minimum wage rate of Delaware and its neighboring states ranges from $7.25 to $15.92, with an average of $13.29. Delaware, at $15, has an above average hourly minimum wage within this group of states. New Jersey ($15.92) has higher hourly rates than Delaware. Maryland shares the same $15 hourly rate as Delaware. Pennsylvania ($7.25) has lower hourly rates than Delaware.
Delaware Delaware's cost of living index for 2025 is 101.9, which places it as the 21st most expensive state to live in the United States.
National 100
Delaware 101.9
Assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the real wage in Delaware, adjusted for the state’s cost of living index of 101.9, is approximately $14.72 per hour. This means that while the nominal minimum wage is $15 per hour, the purchasing power of those earnings is lower due to Delaware's higher cost of living expenses. For full-time employees, the real weekly earnings amount to roughly $588.81, translating to an annual purchasing power of $30,618.25 when working 52 weeks per year.
Adjusted
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According to the most recent data, the median household income in the United States has seen a significant increase in 2023.
Delaware’s minimum wage is set by state law and is periodically updated through legislation, with recent increases bringing it above the federal minimum wage and no automatic inflation adjustment mechanism currently in place.
